Four Tide defenders included on Bednarik Award watch list

Alabama linebackers C.J. Mosley (32) and Nico Johnson (35), both of whom were named Monday to the Bednarik Award watch list, are shown during the first spring football practice session in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Friday, March 9, 2012. (The Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- College football's best defense in 2011 has plenty to replace in 2012, but there are at least four players back who will enter the season with sky high expectations.

Linebackers Nico Johnson and C.J. Mosley, safety Robert Lester and nose guard Jesse Williams were all named to the Bednarik Award watch list, which was released today by the Maxwell Football Club in conjunction with the Maxwell Award. LSU's Tyrann Mathieu was last year's winner of the award that goes annually to college football's top defensive player.

Alabama, LSU and Michigan State were the only teams to have four players included on the 65-man list.

Johnson, a senior, is Alabama's leading returning tackler. He saw significant action in all 13 games last season, registering 47 tackles -- 6.5 for a loss -- while adding an interception, fumble recovery and forced fumble.

Mosley, a junior, was right there behind Johnson. He had 37 tackles, 4.5 for a loss and two sacks before sustaining a hip injury in the BCS national championship game.

Lester is two years removed from leading the SEC with eight interceptions in 2010. Last season, he started all 13 games at strong safety and finished with 39 tackles and two interceptions.

Based on Alabama's needs on the defensive line, Williams is making the move from end to nose guard for his senior season. The every-game starter had 24 tackles, four of which went for a loss, in 2011.

The Bednarik Award semifinalist list will be released in late October.
Three finalists will be announced Nov. 19 and the award will be
presented at the Home Depot ESPNU Award Show on Dec. 6.